HC Deb 09 November 1982 vol 31 c116W
44. Mr. Silvester

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will introduce measures to make further improvements in parental choice and standards in schools.

Dr. Boyson

Wider parental choice and responsibility can be a potent means of improving standards. The 1980 Education Act gives parents a wide choice of schools and my right hon. Friend is currently examining other possibilities, including education vouchers, which would extend parental choice and influence yet further. This is in addition to the action bearing upon standards which my right hon. Friend is taking in relation to, for example, the initial and in-service training of teachers, the curriculum and examinations.